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JOURNEYS IN THE STEPS OF ST. PAUL
Samos-Patmos-Ephesus-Istanbul-Athens-Corinth
Ex-USA (OPTION 2. - 11 days)
Based on flights with OLYMPIC AIRLINES to Athens/Samos.
Best Months - May-June-September-October.
The Itinerary:
DAY 1 - OUTWARD FLIGHT
Depart the USA en-route via Athens to Samos Island, Greece.
FLIGHT OA412 JFK-ATH 1740-1010 (+1)
DAY 2 - SAMOS ARRIVAL
Depart Athens OA754 1210-1310 and to the hotel to relax and settle in.
Dinner & Overnight SAMOS ISLAND
DAY 3 - St. John's Island PATMOS
A day by boat and coach to visit St. John's famous Island of the Apocalypse.
Sailing to Patmos -
Depart Samos harbour after breakfast on the ferry across the blue Aegean.
Dock in the quaint harbour and join the coach for;
The Cave of Apocalypse -
Located on the small Islands highest hill, the traditional location where John received the Book of Revelation. Then retreat to a quiet bay area on the rear of the island for reflection.
Patmos Town -
return to the shores with time to browse round the local shops and cafe's before returning in the mid-afternoon sail back to Samos.
Dinner & Overnight in SAMOS:
DAY 4 - MIGHTY EPHESUS
Morning Hydrofoil from Samos to Kusadasi (Turkey) 1.5 hour sail.
Then visits -
St. Paul -
Paul visited Ephesus on his 2nd Missionary Journey, arriving with Priscilla and Aquila, whom he had met in Corinth (Acts 18:18-22). During his 3rd Missionary Journey he lived in Ephesus for some three years, preaching in the Synagogue and in the lecture hall. His teaching appeared threatening to the cult of Artemis and those who made a living from it, and a riot ensued (Acts 19:1-41). From here he wrote to the church in Corinth (1 Cor. 15:32, 16:8).
St. John's Basilica -
Built by the Emperor Justinian over the supposed burial place of John the Apostle and the location affords a fine panorama of the whole original site.
The Archaeological Site -
The widespread excavations have been accompanied by careful restoration work, including marble-paved streets;
two theatres; the magnificent Library of Celsus; the Temples of Hadrian and Domitian.
The Virgin Mary's home -
is located in a tranquil afforested area and in a modest stone building. Tradition has it that St. John brought Mary to Ephesus after the death of Jesus.
Dinner & Overnight by EPHESUS:
DAY 5 - THE 7 CHURCHES
Pergamos -
Follow the coast north to visit this important city of the Seven Churches -
The origin of the city is unknown. When the Book of Revelation was written, Pergamos was one of the Capitals of the Roman Province of Asia.
Amongst the helpful excavations to be seen are the impressive Theatre built into the hillside with perfect acoustics and seventy eight rows of seats, the remains of the Temple of Athena, the famous Library, the Agora, and the Altar of Zeus.
The Book of Revelation Chapter 2 vs 12-17 refers to this Community.
Sardis -
The protecting spur of Mount Tmolus made this city of Croesus seem impregnable until it fell to Cyrus of Persia in 546 B.C. Alexander the Great founded the
Temple of Artemis in 334 B.C. The Royal Road leads to an early synagogue and a stately Roman gymnasium. Herodotus tells that sheepskins put in the river here trapped specks of gold, creating the legend of the Golden Fleece. St. John challenged the self-satisfaction of this opulent city, saying that those who win the victory will be clothed in white.
The Book of Revelation Chapter 3 vs 1-6 refers to this Community.
Smyrna (Izmir) -
An short stop for orientation and visit to the Agora.
Polycarp was an early member of the Christian Church in Smyrna and was Bishop from 115 to 156 A.D., where he was burned at the stake for his faith. The persecution of the Christians began in Smyrna and there is a record of eleven Christians, mostly from Philadelphia, being thrown to the lions in the presence of the Proconsul Statius Quadratus.
The Book of Revelation Chapter 2 vs 8-11 refers to this Christian Community.
Dinner & Overnight by EPHESUS:
DAY 6 - St. Paul's Port MILETUS
THE MORNING.
Miletus -
A visit to this ancient sea port by the river Meander where on his 3rd Missionary journey, St. Paul passionately addressed the Ephesus Elders on the beach, before sailing away to Jerusalem.
THE AFTERNOON.
Istanbul -
Travel to Izmir airport for the afternoon flight to Istanbul and to the hotel.
FLIGHT TK327 - IST-IZM DEPART 17.00 ARRIVE 18.00
Dinner & Overnight in ISTANBUL:
DAY 7 - ISTANBUL-CONSTANTINOPLE
A day in Old Istanbul Golden Horn area -
Byzantine Cisterns -
A visit to this vast underground complex with 336 magnificent Corinthian Columns and an enchanting background of classical music.
St. Sophia -
One of the finest buildings in Istanbul - built by Constantine the Great and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th Century. Its vast dome rises 55 meters and its diameter spans 31 meters.
The Galata Tower -
Overlooking the Bosphorus River this fine observation tower has splendid views of the River traffic and a tea house on the roof.
Sailing the Bosphorus -
Call at the port to sail the Bosphorus in a private boat through the winding straight that separates Europe and Asia with fine views of the river bank wooden houses and stately buildings.
The Spice Market -
Stroll through the market to see the extensive display of exotic oriental spices.
Leisure & Kapali Carsi Bazaars -
Return by coach to spend time in the colourful GRAND BAZAARS (Capali Çarsi) the world's largest covered Market with 4000 shops - a host of Oriental merchandise on display, at bargain prices !
Dinner & Overnight in ISTANBUL:
DAY 8 - PAUL'S CITY ATHENS
Morning Flight -
Istanbul to Athens
FLIGHT OA322 IST-ATH DEPART 10.05 ARRIVE 11.25 - then visits -
The Roman Agora -
The largest building found measures 111 x 98 m., comprising a spacious rectangular courtyard surrounded by stoas, shops and storerooms. It has an east, Ionic propylon and a west, Doric propylon, known as the Gate of Athena Archegetis.
It was built between 19 and 11 B.C. with a donation of Julius Caesar and Augustus. During the reign of Hadrian the court was paved with slabs.
Mars Hill -
Stop at the rock location where Paul addressed the councillors and philosophers of the day - a short stairway leads to the summit.
The Acropolis -
A stunning location,
masterpieces of classical Greek art with the the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Erechtheum the Temple of Athena Nike.
Ample time is allocated to explore and enjoy the views.
The Plaka -
Some time before dinner for a stroll through the old sector of Athens.
Dinner and Overnight in Athens.
DAY 9 - PAUL'S CORINTH
Leave after breakfast for our first visit to -
The Corinth Canal -
Time to stop and learn the history of this famous man-made construction - one of the 7 wonders of the modern world.
Corinth - Acts 18: 1-4
Home of Aquila and Priscilla. The site includes the Temple of Apollo, the Roman Agora, the Bema Courthouse, the Roman Lechaion Road and the lower Fountain.
Cenchreae - Acts 18:18
Visit the location where St. Paul took a vow and shaved his head, then and the remains of the old harbour from where he sailed to Ephesus. Phoebe was a 'servant of the church' in Cenchreae (Rom:16v1).
Dinner & Overnight in ATHENS:
DAY 10 - SARONIC 3 ISLANDS SAIL
A day on the ferry boat visiting three of the quaint Islands in the Saronic Gulf with time for a stroll at each port and LUNCH on board.
Aegena -
Is a beautiful, fertile and verdant island, full of pine trees and olive trees, picturesque villages, fine beaches and interesting archaeological monuments
Poros -
Believed to be the island of Poseidon, Poros is beautiful and interesting with many small churches and chapels scattered around the island, embellishing the landscape.
Hydra -
The island has gained the title of 'artist colony' giving it a cosmopolitan and fashionable character.
The charm of Hydra is increased by the fact that the whole island is forbidden to any kind of motorised vehicle and only donkeys can serve as a means to transportation.
Dinner & Overnight in ATHENS:
DAY 11 - RETURN FLIGHT
Fly via Athens back to the USA - ATH-JFK FLIGHT OA411 1225-1605.
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